And better 2011 was. It started out a little shaky, but once it got some ground under its feet, it was off and running and barely looked back. It wasn't perfect. But it didn't have as much to apologize for, either. Except the Kardashian wedding, but that's another story. And as the year runs its final cool-down lap, it leaves me with a sense that, yes, 2012 will be an awesome year. Don't ask me how I know these things. I just do. And even if the world ends on December 21, 2012, we can go out like rock stars, knowing that we had at least one good year behind us.

So, even though it's just over a week away, I raise my imaginary glass and toast the end of one year and the beginning of another, and the sense that we may find ourselves in a place of happiness and contentment.

And for those celebrating the holidays now, I wish you a very Merry Happy!